Lately, I have found myself in love with friends to lovers novels, and this one was fantastic. The main characters Noah and Krista were well-developed but in a realistic "these could be my friends" way, making the entire storyline engaging and relatable. It took no time to become invested in their story and it was the perfect mix of hope, conflict, emotional struggle, and happiness.

My only criticism would be the secondary characters. I realize that they shouldn't carry the book, but they were all uninteresting and added little to the heart of the novel, except for maybe Krista's brother Joey. Otherwise, I didn't know who they were, how they knew each other and didn't really care.

Despite that, I loved this story and loved Noah and Krista. This is a sweet, romantic read for fans of friends to lovers romance!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this novel in exchange for my honest review!

I liked this story in the Blushing Bay series. I missed book 1. Set is a fishing town in North Carolina, Noah Sawyer is worried he made his best friend Krista, mad by bringing a date to their Wednesday night pizza get together. Krista has been in love with Noah since they were kids but he has always thought of her as one of the guys. Now as he tries to work his way back into her good nature he discovers she is all woman. I like the interaction with the two families as they are planning the wedding from book 1. Easy to read, a little spicy but fun.

I wanted to like Stolen Kisses a lot more than I actually ended up liking it. It was boring and I found myself not caring about what was happening or about either of the two leads.

Krista and Noah have been best friends forever and she's been crushing on him forever, too, but suffers in silence because Noah sees her as just one of the guys. Little does she know he's been fighting his feelings of attraction for her, too. When they finally give into their attraction, I was excited, but it was just blah. Their first scene was fade to black. FADE TO BLACK! After all the buildup and the sexual tension and then we got fade to black. No, just no. But once they do give in they continue giving in, even while neither is sure where it's going, if anywhere. Krista because Noah is known for his fear of commitment, and Noah because Krista never talks about how she feels. Sigh...it was all so boring and so meh.

Stolen Kisses isn't horrible, it's just all rather cookie cutter and boring. Nothing much happens. Even the few sex scenes that aren't fade to black are boring. They rarely talk about anything. Neither is very deep. It's all just so meh and I couldn't bring myself to care about them. The only reason I could even rate it three stars is because one of Krista's patients, Adam, is adorable. If he hadn't been in Stolen Kisses, this would have been 2 stars for sure.

Noah and Krista were childhood friends who turned lovers in a mixed up, hot, kind funny way. Love always wins in the end.

3.5 Stars

Stolen Kisses is the second title in the Blushing Bay series. This is an enjoyable, friends to lovers contemporary romance, that can be read as a standalone.

Krista and Nate have been best friends since childhood. Nate has demons and has a tendency to be a bit flaky, he is content with the bachelor lifestyle, and has issues with commitment. Apart from his long standing friendship with Krista, that proves he's capable of commitment, just unwilling to tie himself to someone or something long term.

Krista feelings have developed beyond friendship for Nate, which is easy to imagine as he is her protector, confidante, and best friend who she turns to for comfort and in times of woe.

I struggled a bit to relate to Krista, and found her character to be lacking some depth and dimension.

Stolen Kisses is a sweet romance, with alot of hot scenes but the author has a tendency to fade out just as things start to get interesting.

This was my first time reading anything written by Annie Raines and I look forward to experiencing more of her work in the future.

3.5 stars
Stolen Kisses by Annie Rains was a fun and enjoyable friends to lovers read.
The writing is well done, Krista and Noah are likeable, relatable characters and I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
Overall a very enjoyable contemporary romantic read.

Stolen Kisses is a great addition to the Blushing Bay Series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them.

Krista Nelson has always loved Noah Sawyer. They grew up together as best friends, nothing more. Krista, a pediatric RN, loves her job but wants more in life. Krista dreams of a man who loves her more than anything, having kids, and a home. Krista realizes she wants all of these things with Noah, but knows Noah will be nothing but a playboy. Tired of seeing Noah out with numerous bimbos, Krista decides to take control of her life and give dating a try.

Noah, the youngest of the Sawyer brothers, was voted the "Least Likely to Succeed". He was the jokester of the family, never wanting to put down roots. Noah grew up never knowing a mom's love and having a family connection as his mom died while giving birth to him. Noah has vowed to live his life as a single, carefree guy. Until Krista starts dating....Noah does NOT like Krista dating. He realizes he wants to be the one to make her laugh and possibly fulfill her dreams, but he's afraid once they cross the line there's no return. Noah's not sure he's willing to risk losing his best friend for something as unpredictable as love...

I truly enjoyed reading about the youngest Sawyer brother. Noah's struggle with commitment probably stems from the loss of his mom and not bonding with her. It's easy to relate to his character's use of comedy to deflect his true feelings of guilt, thinking he's responsible for his mom's death. I loved how Noah was always there for Krista--during her kidney transplant, helping make her patient's dreams come true, and encouraging her to become Charge RN. This is an AWESOME best friend's to more story!!! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Krista Nelson wants so badly to have Noah Sawyer see her as more than just his best friend. However, knowing how Noah feels about relationships, she knows it's not going to be simple. But as commitments to friends and helping a young boy bring them even closer together, will Noah realize how right Krista is for him before it's too late or will they each lose the one person that's always been there for them?

If you haven't read a book by Ms. Rains, you're missing out on some very entertaining reading, and this book encompassing the friends to lovers trope, was a wonderful addition to Ms. Rains Blushing Bay series about the Sawyer brothers finding their happy ever afters. The way this story started had me liking the heroine immediately, because of her reaction to what Noah has done for their weekly get together. Will Noah be able to earn Krista's forgiveness? However, it was from the moment where the hero and heroine finally begin to see that there's more between them than friendship where things get very interesting.

As for the dialogue, it was compelling and had me hooked because of what Noah has been through in his past that has left him determined to go through the rest of his life without giving forever after a chance. Has he been using his past as an excuse to keep his distance from Krista for fear of losing her if their relationship goes further than friends? Furthermore, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how good she is at her job as a paediatric nurse, which is proven by how she deals with her patients and everything her job entails. I also liked the close friendships Krista and Noah share with the secondary characters, which is evident by how they give each other advice and help each other. Certainly, the moment where Noah and Krista go shopping was amusing.

Overall, Ms. Rains has delivered another wonderful and captivating read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was delightful and had me cheering for their happy ever after; and the ending had me absolutely riveted by Noah's determination to win back Krista after things go sour between them, especially since she has important news. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of how happy Noah and Krista are and the special event that has them so happy. I would recommend Stolen Kisses by Annie Rains, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Roxanne St. Claire, Melanie Shawn, Rachel Lacey and Melissa Foster.

A friends to lovers story that at times makes you want to shake both characters. In a friendly way of course!

Krista Nelson has always been one of the “guys”. Which doesn’t really bother her all that much, but it seem’s one of them, Noah Sawyer, is starting some unexpected stirrings in certain girly parts. They have been best friends since childhood, turn to each other for everything, and even have a designated night just for them. Krista is a Pediatric nurse, working at the local hospital and hoping for a head nurse position. Noah is a fisherman, from a long family of fishermen. He lives on a houseboat, and just acquired a boat dog called Beauty.

Noah’s love life is lacking, no one seems to hold his interest, until bringing a date to “their” Wings night really upsets Krista. Suddenly, he is discovering some urges and feelings that aren’t appropriate for a best friend! One kiss starts off uncomfortable longings for both of them. When Krista starts going out with a local Dr, Noah realizes he wants more hot wet kisses than friendship. Grace, Krista’s BFF is marrying Noah’s brother Jack in a whirlwind wedding in a month. They have begged Noah and Krista to get there honeymoon cabin in the mountains ready for them, they have no time, plus it’s a genius way for them to push their friends into taking the next step.
Noah and Krista have a great time, and add some interesting “toys for the honeymoon couple, which they had to check out to be sure they were ok. The weekend pushed them way out of the friendship zone.

This novel is funny, hot and very romantic. The other characters in the story are great and really add a fun dimension to the story. This can be read as a stand alone, but the first in the series looks just as fun.

I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for review. This title will appear on The Book Queen’s Blog on Oct. 20th.
Pat Fordyce

I absolutely loved this book. I loved Krista and Noah. Their chemistry was great and their story was terrific throughout. This has to be my favorite Annie Rains book, so far. I look forward to her next book and can't see how she can top this one. 5 stars! I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a fair review

Noah and Kristy had been best friends since they were children. Noah had been Kate’s protector, and confident , they could tell each other anything and he was just a good guy. But one thing Kristy didn’t tell Noah is she wanted him and she thought he may be the one. Noah was the captain of a boat for his family’s seafood business. Kristy was a pediatric nurse and worked in a hospital. Kristy wants to settle down and have a family and Noah won’t commit to any woman. Kristy watched Noah date a bunch of women. The only commitment Noah had with a woman was his to Kruisty and their friendship. Kristy is at a crossroads in her life she had always dreamed of being head nurse and she may have a chance at a such a promotion at work. Kristy had been in the hospital as a child and could relate to her patients and their parents. Noah feels his family never expected much from him and always expected him to fail. Noah had issues that nhe wasn’t good enough for kristy and wouldn’t be a good dad or husband. Noah and Kristy always spend Wednesday night together as it was wednesday wing night and they always had a good time but then one Wednesday Noah brings a date with him. It was very awkward and kristy cuts the night short and leaves. Kristy then decides to start dating and finds a doctor to date. Noah is jealous that Kristy is dating. One night after some drinks Kristy kisses Noah after he escorted her home. Noah realizes he has a big attraction for Kristy and that is why he never committed to another woman before. After the kiss Kristy and Noah decide to take their relationship to the next level.
I liked the book a lot. I liked the plot as well as the pace. This was an easy quick read. It was a little confusing at times but got through that not enough to stop reading this story. For the most part I liked how the author showed both POVs on different things as Kristy and Noah grew up. I did thing Noah said he wanted no commitment with a female to often. I loved how Kristy was with her patients at work. I loved the twists and turns of this book as well as the characters and I recommend.

Best friends to lovers are one of my favorite reads. This couple has had the time to get to know each other, it's not instant love without knowing who the person is you fall in love with, there is a friendship first. In this case though the best part of the story was when they were friends then the story loses it's motion but not it's steam. While I love this couple and enjoyed them receiving their hea the battle between them just went flat in my eyes and the passion between them takes over.

Wonderful characters and a great storyline made this book a very enjoyable and entertaining read!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

This is a fabulous book that had me from page one all the way to the end with relatable characters and superbly written plot that included humor, emotion, family dynamic, small coastal town vibe, heartwarming romance and so much more.

I really liked the chemistry and sweet story going from best friends to lovers between commercial fisherman Noah Sawyer and pediatric nurse Krista Nelson. Fans of this genre will love Stolen Kisses and should plan to read it.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review. I liked the book so much, I purchased both books in the series for my keeper library.

noah and krista have been friends forever. and both of them have been in love with the other one since forever too. of course noah is a commitment-phobe with issues and of course he can't admit that. so instead he freaks out when krista kisses him when she's had too much to drink one night.

stolen kisses spends a bit of time laying the groundwork for how they each believed the other person had completely friend-zoned them, and the back and forth from krista's perspective who is actively pining for noah and wants him so desperately and believes that he does not see her that way at all, to noah's where he totally thinks krista is hot and she's the only girl he wants to be around in his life even if he can't admit it and is afraid that krista is finally ready to move on.

the best-friends-to-lovers trope follows some pretty standard plot points. and they get hit here. once krista and noah finally given in to the building sexual tension it's a relief, and the only thing that might have improved the story would have been to have them actually behave like rational adults and talk to each other about their doubts and worries. because when krista freaks out about noah over a conversation where she overheard second-hand information and immediately assumes the worst and then proceeds to freeze him out, i kind of wanted to kill her. i hate when characters don't communicate with each other for no good reason.

in the end, this is a solid entry in the blushing bay series. i have high hopes for abby and sam's story, it looks like maybe fireworks and a second-chance-at-love story that is ready to go, although there's also a lot of freezing out happening just in stolen kisses, so who knows?

Best friends to lovers are one of my favorite reads. This couple has had the time to get to know each other, it's not instant love without knowing who the person is you fall in love with, there is a friendship first. In this case though the best part of the story was when they were friends then the story loses it's motion but not it's steam. While I love this couple and enjoyed them receiving their hea the battle between them just went flat in my eyes and the passion between them takes over. It doesn't stop me from wanting to read more from this author because I like her style and her characters and look forward to Sam and Abby's story next.

Krista and Noah stole my heart. Best friends for as long as anyone can remember, they have adamantly claimed that is all they are, have been and ever well be. Unfortunately, she hasn't felt that way for years, but had let Noah believe it anyway. She doesn't want to ruin their friendship. When he brings a date to a sacred weekly event she leaves early.
She distances herself and decides that it is time to move on, especially since he has never noticed. Once she starts dating and isn't available as much, Noah starts realizing what he had. When she gets wasted one night and kisses Noah, everything changes. He realizes that he just might like her as more than a friend, but she doesn't seem to remember the kids taking place.
The little boy that Krista works with and, in my opinion, helps them both realize some truths (about themselves and each other), is a wonderful side story. When they go to the family cabin to set up the honeymoon for his brother, things get really intense, really fast. It's what happens between because of the location? Can they make it work long term? Will Krista give him the time he needs to figure everything out? Will Noah realize that sometimes you have to risk the best thing in your life to find true happiness? Can two best friends who know everything there is to know about each other really find love? Pick up your copy of Stolen Kisses by Annie Rains today and find out.
I received an ARC, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Favorite Quotes:

She certainly wasn’t a Barbie, though, which seemed to be all that Noah ever dated. Every few weeks, a new Barbie with a different hair color or shade of skin.

“I buy my clothes online, but I don’t find men there.” She didn’t find them anywhere actually.

“I’m not drunk,” Krista said, pulling her fourth beer in front of her. “Just a little flimsy.” “Don’t you mean tipsy?” Noah laughed.

My Review:

Stolen Kisses was an engaging and sweet, yet angsty, best friends to lovers romance, which featured the younger brother of the main character from the first book in this series, Forbidden Kisses. I am willing to offer up a bribe/sacrifice to Ms. Rains to entice her to feature the oldest brother Sam, in her next book to solve the mystery of his marriage woes, as I seem to be overly fixated and highly curious about this enigmatic character. I adored sweet Krista and her big heart, although I frequently wanted to give Noah a few sound kicks to the back pockets through half of the book. Noah viewed himself as a born screw up, as his mother had died giving birth to him. Krista had been infatuated and obsessed with Noah for years only to be treated and told she was “like one of the guys.” Ms. Rains excels at creating significantly flawed yet endearing characters that resemble icebergs, in that they are profoundly deeper than what is on display. Written in my favorite dual POV, the emotion of the storyline was well-balanced between angst, humor, growing attraction, blossoming self-awareness, and a few steamy love scenes. I’m more than ready for Sam’s story Ms. Rains – please hurry.

Noah and Krista have been best friends for their whole lives. He views her as one of the guys and she's been in love with him for as long as she can remember. Her love for him makes sure none of her relationships work and his fear of commitment makes sure he never crosses the line of friendship between them.

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes because of the slow burn that usually comes along with it. There is no insta-love. There careful thought and consideration that goes into whether or not a relationship is worth it. Noah has been told by a lot of people that he either won't succeed or isn't the best man for the job which has shaped how he views himself in relationships. The consummate screw up shouldn't risk his life long friendship for something that surely will not work out. Krista is the complete package: smart, loving, successful, and beautiful. Her decision to stop waiting around is what pushes their relationship from strictly friends to so much more.

I love every visit to Blushing Bay. This series is sweet, romantic, and engaging. I read this story in one sitting because I wanted to know everything that was going to happen. I was curious about Noah and Krista's relationship from Forbidden Kisses and already pulling for them before their story even started. I can't wait to see what's up next for the Sawyer family!!

A great feel good story. We're back in Blushing Bay where Noah and Krista balance lifelong friendship and risk love.
A great return to the bay and the community. I look forward to the next with anticipation.